You've learned to meditate. You write in your gratitude journal. Your day was asteroid-free. So why can't you stop seething about the grocery bag that burst all over your porch this morning?

By Amy Shearn

1. The Peanut Gallery Won't Shut Up

Anyone who has lived past the age of 4 is well acquainted with the idea that Life Is Not Fair. And yet, when something annoying/sad/frustrating and, yes, completely unfair happens, inevitably someone says, “Oh, well, who says life is fair?” And you realize, as a fireball stokes in your chest, that it is not the unfairness of life but the random commentary that is eating at your soul. It’s just so unhelpful, this kind of toothless insight that is meant to allay the speaker’s discomfort rather than your own. We'd tell you it's just not fair, but...